Odisha Digitises Urban Governance with Statewide Rollout of OSWAS

Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards digital governance, the Odisha government has successfully implemented the Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System (OSWAS) across all 115 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), marking a significant shift from traditional paper-based administration to a streamlined digital ecosystem.

The initiative, led by the Housing & Urban Development Department, covers five Municipal Corporations, 48 Municipalities, and 62 Notified Area Councils. Developed in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services and supported by the Odisha Computer Application Centre, the platform enables end-to-end digital handling of official files, ensuring real-time tracking, role-based routing, and faster decision-making.

Officials said the move addresses longstanding challenges in municipal administration, including delays caused by manual file movement, lack of standardised processes, and limited monitoring mechanisms. With the introduction of OSWAS, governance processes have been standardised, supported by digital audit trails and automated escalation systems to improve transparency and accountability.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra described the rollout as a transformative step in modernising urban governance. He said the system would enhance efficiency and empower local bodies to deliver faster and more transparent services to citizens, aligning with the vision of a “Viksit Odisha.”

Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee highlighted that the reform goes beyond technology adoption, representing a comprehensive overhaul of administrative processes. She noted that the system enables real-time monitoring, strengthens accountability, and supports data-driven decision-making at both the state and local levels.

The implementation followed a phased approach, beginning with workflow analysis and process re-engineering, followed by system configuration, pilot testing, and large-scale capacity building. Continuous feedback and monitoring mechanisms have also been put in place to optimise performance.

Key benefits of the system include faster file disposal, improved accessibility of documents, enhanced transparency through digital records, and better coordination among departments. Real-time dashboards now allow officials to track file movement and pendency, improving overall efficiency.

With OSWAS now operational across all ULBs, Odisha has emerged as a frontrunner in leveraging technology to reform governance systems, setting a benchmark for digital transformation in urban administration.